Woman indicted on murder charge in crash that killed LAPD officer
A grand jury has indicted a Pacoima woman on murder and other charges in connection with a 2014 crash that killed a Los Angeles police officer, the L.A. County district attorney’s office announced Wednesday.
Qaneak Shaney Cobb, 35, was charged last year with murder, drug possession and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, after prosecutors alleged she rear-ended Officer Christopher Cortijo while he was on his motorcycle in Sun Valley, crushing the veteran cop between two cars.
The grand jury indicted Cobb on the same three counts, according to court records made public Tuesday. The indictment replaces the preliminary hearing that otherwise would have occurred, meaning the case could go to trial sooner.
Cobb pleaded not guilty when the indictment was unsealed Tuesday, the district attorney’s office said. She is due back in court Oct. 26.
Cortijo was stopped at a red light at Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street during the early evening of April 5, 2014, when prosecutors allege Cobb struck his motorcycle with her Chevrolet Blazer. Prosecutors allege Cobb was under the influence of cocaine.
Cortijo, 51, died of his injuries four days later. He had spent nearly 27 years with the LAPD, earning accolades for his work in the San Fernando Valley.
His death came during a particularly tough stretch for the LAPD. Cortijo was the second of four L.A. police officers who were killed in traffic collisions over a span of two months.
“The entire police department has been following this case very closely. We’re glad to see they’re taking these charges seriously,” Cmdr. Andrew Smith, an LAPD spokesman, said Wednesday. “Although we certainly hope justice is done, that won’t bring back our fallen officer.”
Prosecutors said Cobb, who has prior convictions for grand theft and drug possession, could face life in prison if convicted.
Follow @katemather for more LAPD news.
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